The $525 million FrontRunner South commuter rail project involved 45 miles of right-of-way, including 30 bridges, two million cubic yards of earthwork, 40 at-grade crossings (designed jointly with right-of-way owner Union Pacific), signaling work, and station construction. The project was part of UTA’s larger FrontLines 2015 Program, which expanded the rail system by 70 miles and was completed three years ahead of schedule.

The FrontRunner South commuter rail project bested seven other entries for the Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence, which was judged on the criteria of innovation, safety, and project reliability. The award was presented at the AREMA general session held during Railway Interchange 2013 in Indianapolis.

“Parsons has a long history of success in Utah, and a prestigious award like the Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence is a great recognition for our firm and for the Utah Transit Authority,” said Parsons Group President Todd Wager.

AREMA established the Hay Award 15 years ago to recognize outstanding achievement in railway engineering and to honor the memory and accomplishments of Dr. William Walter Hay, an association member and leader who was a professional railroader in military transportation service and the private railway industry.